Friday, February 26, 2016

A Daily Prayer Against Spiritual Warfare

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is already late and that's because I am lazy this chilly day. We have lots of sun, but the wind is still blowing, so boaters are advised to use caution today.But the next few days should be lovely and clear.

I took a little ride yesterday and saw lots of people in the Park, but no animals. I noticed that the rain had made the water overflow the weir. There was lots of debris caught against the rods that line the sides. That was a lot of rain that came down!

On the way back I saw lots of cars parked in front of the Sav-A-Lot which is having its grand opening. Looks like lots of people have been waiting for it to open. It is in the same building that used to be a Publix many years ago, and then it was Dr. Pierce's Chiropractic Clinic. I think many  people from the Town Home apartments will find that very convenient.

Well, I fished some very old celery out of my crisper drawer, which was not crisp, and tossed it away. Celery does not keep well. I wish I could buy it loose, one or two stalks at a time instead of the whole head or whatever you call it! Same with lettuce. I'm thinking about putting some in one of the salad containers that go with the salad bars. That way I could use it up much faster instead of wasting the spoiled part that I never get to. I bought the celery so I could fill it with the cream cheese mixture that my niece, Kim, makes for Thanksgiving, so it was a little old, but not that old! I did not buy it in November!

Well, I see a bluejay hopping around in the hedge outside my window. God is good!

Pastor Jeff's Daily Prayer Suggestion:

Dear Heavenly Father.
I honor You as my Lord. I acknowledge that You are
always present with me. You are the only all powerful and
only wise God. You are kind and loving in all Your ways.
I love you and thank you that I am united with Jesus and
spiritually alive in Him.

I thank You for the life that I have in Christ, and I ask You
to fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may live my life free
from sin.  You are the Vine and I am the branch; apart from
You I can do nothing. I take my stand against Satan and command
all his evil spirits to depart from me. I ask these things in the
name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Easin' thru Ephesians

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sun is shining unlike yesterday at this time when we were under a severe thunderstorm warning and tornado watch! We had a lot of hard rain, but fortunately, no tornados. Then in the afternoon it cleared off and the next few days are supposed to be clear and cool! Our last days of winter, maybe.

Cheryl and Kim, my cleaning ladies came and said they did not get too wet going into their first house job and by the time they got here, the rain had stopped. So they worked hard and got the house spic and span. Since I am their last customer for the day, all they have to do is go across the street and they are home!

Well another familiar face is retiring from a local TV station. Chip Carter, one of my favorite sports reporters, is doing his last broadcast tomorrow. Seems like he is too young to retire.Former coach, Jon Gruden, and his wife stopped in to say goodbye to him and wish him well. It might be Tony Dungy next, or maybe Derek Jeter, who has a mansion in Tampa. We have several well known sports figures living in the area.

I saw squirrels out after the storm and the birds were busy making up for lost time securing berries and what not that they could not gather during the rain, so God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Living by the Spirit's Power

Ephesians 5:12-20
So be careful how you live, not as fools, but
as those who are wise. Make the most of
every opportunity for doing good in these
evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to
understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Don't be drunk with wine, because that will
ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit  fill
and control you. Then you will sing psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves
making music to the Lord in your hearts. And
you will always give thanks for everything to
God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.


I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I am rejoicing because I did not have to be out in the storm that passed through here! I was anxiously watching the ceiling where the faint stains are to see if they got any larger, which would mean more leaking, but unless it shows up later, so far no more stain.The roofer is not coming until the first of March, which is too long to wait in my opinion. All I want is someone to check to see where the leak is coming from. Sigh.

The sun is actually trying to come out now, and making the drops of rain shine like diamonds on the hedge next door. Well, looks like the clouds have not gone away yet, as the brightness dimmed. Now the wind has picked up and the prediction is for cooler weather; in fact, down right chilly tonight. Last night I had the A/C on and the winter blanket pushed down to the foot of the bed and was very comfortable. Guess I will pull it back up tonight.

It was so warm yesterday, that I decided to go to Steak and Shake and get a strawberry shake. I had been to the Park and saw a great blue heron, the big brown gopher tortoise, and on the way out, a hawk on the ground. After that, I took the shake home and enjoyed it! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 139:1-6
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.'
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!


I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Roamin' thru Romans

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The wind is blowing today and we are in for a short change in the weather tomorrow. But, today we have sun and temps in the seventies already. However, rain is coming and my roof is still not fixed, so I am hoping for no more leaks.

Sunday afternoon I took a trip to downtown St. Petersburg, and was pleased to see how busy it was. People were walking around shopping or just looking at the art show booths set up in Straub Park. Central Avenue parking was not to be found. Every space was taken. Outdoor dining was popular with the perfect weather, and the waterfront was beautiful! Since I grew up here it is gratifying to see how many young people are coming and enjoying this city.

I saw a glimpse of red peeking through the hedge outside my window and sure enough! It was a Cardinal! I haven't seen one in a long time, so I was excited to see him. Maybe there is a nest close by. I have also heard doves with their mournful coos and that is a sound I have been missing. Spring is on the way! And I saw a young gator sunning on the bank of the lake at the park Sunday afternoon. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 12:6-12
God has given each of us the ability to do
certain things well. So if God has given you
the ability to prophecy, speak out when you have
faith that God is speaking through you. If your
gift is that of serving others, serve them well.
If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching.
If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you
have money, share it generously. If God has given
you leadership ability , take the responsibility
seriously. And if you have the ability to show kindness
to others, do it gladly.


Don't pretend that you love others, really love them.
Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love
each other with genuine affection, and take delight in
honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but
serve the Lord enthusiastically!

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, February 22, 2016

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, it is almost afternoon, and I did not think I would be sending this today. I went to the Quest Diagnostic for lab work, thinking if I arrived around 8:30 or so, the crowd would be gone or at least thinned out. Wrong!! The room was packed with people waiting, so after sitting for a few minutes in one of the few empty seats, I decided to cross off my name and come back another time. Maybe it won't be so crowded Wednesday.

But at least, I got to enjoy the beauty of the morning. I saw many contrails criss crossing the sky; very visible against the very blue background. The sun is shining brightly and warming everything up and a slight breeze is blowing. Just beautiful!

I did not attend church yesterday. Saturday I had eaten a fish sandwich from McDonald's and found out that fish does not agree with me. I had been told by my doctor to not eat shellfish because it causes too much uric acid in my system, but apparently, most any fish does that. I was awake most of the night with needle like pains in my left foot, so I got up and walked around and had some yogurt about 3:30 Sunday morning.. My leg felt weak, so, much as I hated to miss church, I thought it best that I stay home. I had a good night's sleep last night and I feel much better. God is good!

BTW, Our youth director, Chuck Howard, won Honorable Mention for a very funny segment he sent to Funniest Home Videos which was shown on TV last night.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 40:4-8
Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,
who have no confidence in the proud
or in this who worship idols.
O Lord, my God, you have done many
miracles for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds
I would never come to the end of them.

You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings/
Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand--
You don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
Then I said. "Lord, I have come.
And this has been written about me in your scroll.
I take joy in doing your will, my God,
for your law is written on my heart."


I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, February 19, 2016

Jude

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This has been a perfect week as far as weather is concerned, cool at night and just right during the sunshiny days. I am happy it is continuing for as long as my roof is not fixed!

Yesterday, I decided to go grocery shopping, so I went at the perfect time. There were very few people as I drove into the Publix parking lot, so I managed with my cane to get in the door and get a cart, then, since only a couple people were waiting for sandwiches, I decided to get one for my supper. I chose the turkey half sandwich and was glad I did. Then I went into produce and got a bowl of pineapple chunks to go with the juice I had found. I had to ask one of the guys in the back to get the chunks down for me, which he was glad to do. I thanked him and he said it was his pleasure, which reminded me of the service at CFA.  Short people don't do well in grocery stores, when it comes to high shelves. More than once, I have looked in vain for someone to reach up for me to get an item down. I have even asked  strangers and they are usually willing. Anyway, by the time I checked out, I had saved $20.98 including my 10 dollar coupon from the Sunday ad in the Times! Not bad!

I was watching a bluejay ,moving around in the hedge outside my window, getting what few berries are left on it. I don't see how they can swallow the big seeds, because their beaks are full of the round berries when they find one, but somehow they fit! God is marvelous and good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Jude 24,25

And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep
you from stumbling, and who will bring you
into his glorious presence innocent of sin and
with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God
our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes,
glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him,
in the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen


I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, February 18, 2016

God's Wisdom

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We are still having a string of perfect days...quite cool in the mornings and warming up nicely in the afternoon. Just perfect, although my cleaning ladies would prefer it to be very chilly as they work!

Cheryl said she had her windows open and would leave them open last night even though it was supposed to get down to 50. She's a lot warmer blooded than I am! I was reading an article yesterday on how to get a good night's sleep and the idea presented was to lose the pajamas and sleep nude to let your skin breathe. Just the thought of that makes me break out in goosebumps!

The girls came to clean yesterday and we had a good time talking while they worked. Kim had several suggestions about why my ipad will not stay on the internet, but none of them were very helpful. It remains a mystery.

I logged on to Zillow yesterday to check on our first house on 15th Street, 47 years ago. I found out that is has been remodeled and is now a rental. The carport has been enclosed to make another bedroom, so it is a 3 bedroom, 1 bath house, with remodeling throughout. Very different from the small house we bought when Louis came back from the service. We have lived in this area for 52 years!  Probably one of the longest residents of Meadowlawn!

I walked out on the front porch yesterday and saw a squirrel high in the oak tree clinging to a small branch which was leafless and just hanging on! Then I took a trip to the Park and saw quite a few local cars, but not many out of state, Coming back by Lynch Lake, there was the usual flock of seagulls, and ducks and the one lone wood stork. I wonder if he thinks he is an ibis, because he is always hanging around with them..,But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 3:14-19
When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan,
 I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the
Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.
I pray that from the glorious, unlimited resources
he will give you mighty inner strength through his
Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and
more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.
May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's
marvelous love. And may you have the power to
understand , as all God's people should, how wide,
how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so
great you will never fully understand it.
Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power
the comes from God!


I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis